The Truth Made Simple (Home Bible Study)
THE TRUTH MADE SIMPLE HOME BIBLE STUDY As we begin our journey through the Word of God first lets read: John 8:32 KJV 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 KJV 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. To understand the Word of God we must understand there are four divisions in The New Testament: 1. The Gospels 2. The Book of Acts 3. The Epistles 4. Revelations - 1 -
1. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) These four books tell us basically about: The Birth, The Life, The Death, and The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In The Gospels you will come to understand Jesus died for us, he became The Supreme Sacrifice to make it possible for us to be Saved. The Gospels simply let us know we can be Saved. It does not explain to us how to be saved. 2. The Book of Acts (This is the Actual Book of Acts or Actions of the Apostles.) In The Book of Acts you will find out: How To Be Saved 3. The Epistles (Epistle means letter ) Romans Galatians Colossians 1 Timothy Philemon 1 Peter 2 John 1 Corinthians Ephesians 1 Thessalonians 2 Timothy Hebrews 2 Peter 3 John 2 Corinthians Philippians 2 Thessalonians Titus James 1 John Jude These are 21 Letters/Books written to either a Church or to an Individual Preacher. In both cases these Books are Written to people that are already saved. They are not written to sinners. In the Epistles you will be instructed on how to live your life in a way that is Pleasing to God after you are saved. Because the Bible says in Matthew 10:22 KJV 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 4. Revelations This Book basically tells us what will happen to us if we Obey The Word of God and are Saved, OR what will happen to us if we do not Obey The Word of God and are Lost. Now with this Understanding let us go into The Word of God - 2 -
John 1:1 KJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 KJV 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, IN THE BEGINNING, THE WAS GOD AND BECAME FLESH. JESUS CHRIST IS THE LIVING WORD OF GOD. John 1:11-13 KJV 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. WE BELIEVE IN HIM AND RECEIVE HIM, JESUS GIVES US POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF BY A SUPERNATURAL BIRTH. HE SPOKE FURTHER ABOUT THIS NEW BIRTH ONE NIGHT TO A RULER OF THE JEWS. John 3:1-8 KJV 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. THE LORD TOLD NICODEMUS THAT EVERYONE WHO WANTED TO SEE OR ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD, MUST BE BORN AGAIN OF AND OF THE. - 3 -
John 3:16-18 KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. JESUS ALSO TOLD NICODEMUS THAT WHOSOEVER IN HIM SHOULD HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. JESUS MENTIONED TWO SEEMINGLY DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SALVATION, ONE IS BEING BORN AGAIN, THE OTHER IS BELIEVING, YET, THIS IS NOT A CONTRADICTION. THE NEXT SCRIPTURE EXPLAINS HOW BELIEVING IS RELATED TO EXPERIENCING THE BIRTH OF THE SPIRIT. John 7:38-39 KJV 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) HERE, WE DISCOVER THAT IF WE BELIEVE ON HIM (ACCORDING TO THE WORD), WE WILL RECEIVE THE. WE FIND THAT SCRIPTURAL BELIEF IS MORE THAN JUST A CHANGE IN THE WAY WE THINK. IT ALSO RESULTS IN A SCRIPTURAL EXPERIENCE. John 12:42-43 KJV 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. TODAY, JUST AS IN JESUS DAY, MANY BELIEVE ON HIM. BUT THEY WILL NOT HIM FOR FEAR OF WHAT OTHERS WILL SAY OR DO. John 12:44-48 KJV 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. - 4 -
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. IN RESPONSE TO THEIR FEARFULNESS, JESUS WARNS THAT HIS WILL JUDGE US, SO WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO REJECT IT. (NO MATTER WHAT OTHERS SAY OR DO). John 17:17 KJV 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. IN JESUS PRAYER FOR HIS DISCIPLES, JUST BEFORE HIS CRUCIFIXION, HE SAID GOD S WORD IS. TO FIND OUT WHAT THE APOSTLES WORD WAS LET US READ WHAT JESUS TOLD THEM TO PROCLAIM. THE SETTING IS JUST AFTER THE LORD S DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION, JUST BEFORE HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN. Luke 24:45-49 KJV 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. TWO QUESTIONS HERE: 1.) DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM? 2.) HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED? - 5 -
Acts 1:3-5 KJV 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. AS WE ENTER THE BOOK OF ACTS, WE DISCOVER ALMOST IMMEDIATELY THAT THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER IS THE BAPTISM OF THE. Acts 2:1-17 KJV 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. - 6 -
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judæa, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 17 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: WHEN THE APOSTLES WERE AT JERUSALEM, THEY, ALONG, WITH MANY OTHERS, WERE JOYOUSLY FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH OTHER, AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE (ABILITY TO SPEAK). THE AMAZED ONLOOKERS FROM MANY NATIONS WHO HEARD THEM SPEAKING WITH TONGUES ASKED, WHAT MEANETH THIS? THEN PETER EXPLAINED THE PROMISED COMING OF THE SPIRIT AND WENT ON TO PREACH CHRIST AND THE ORIGINAL APOSTOLIC PLAN OF SALVATION. FROM VERSE 17 TO VERSE 36 PETER IS PREACHING TO THE PEOPLE THAT THE MAN JESUS THEY CRUCIFIED WAS NOT JUST A PROPHET, BUT RATHER HE WAS THE PROMISED MESSIAH. Acts 2:36-39 KJV 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? HERE IS THE DIRECT QUESTION ASKED WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE FORGIVEN AND SAVED? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. WHO CAN HAVE THIS PROMISE OF THE HOLY GHOST? 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. - 7 -
WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO HEARD PETER S WORDS BELIEVED THAT JESUS CHRIST WAS THEIR LORD AND SAVIOR, THEY WERE SORRY FOR THEIR SINS AND ASKED PETER AND THE APOSTLES WHAT THEY SHOULD DO. PETER REPLIED BY PREACHING THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED TO BE PREACHED IN LUKE 24:45-49. (Page 5 of this bible study) IN LIGHT OF THIS, CONSIDER THE THREE ELEMENTS OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION PETER PREACHED IN ACTS 2:38. 1. ) REPENTANCE 2.) REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME 3.) RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST IN JOHN 3:5 WE READ THERE WERE TWO REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. BORN OF THE WATER = WATER BAPTISTM IN THE NAME OF JESUS BORN OF THE SPIRIT = INFILLING OF THE HOLY GHOST NOW LETS LOOK AT SOME MORE EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE BEING BORN AGAIN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT AS THE WORD JESUS GAVE THE APOSTLES CONTINUED TO BE PREACHED THROUGHOUT THE BOOK OF ACTS. PHILIP PREACHING TO THE SAMARATANS IN ACTS CHAPTER 8 NOTE THIS: SOME PEOPLE SAY WHEN THEY EXPERIENCED JOY, OR WHEN THEY BELIEVED IN JESUS, OR WHEN THEY WERE BAPTIZED THEY WERE AUTOMATICALLY FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST. BUT WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? Acts 8:5-8 KJV 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. DID THEY RECEIVE GREAT JOY? YES NO - 8 -
Acts 8:12 KJV 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. DID THEY BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST? YES NO Acts 8:14-17 KJV 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. WERE THEY BAPTIZED IN HIS NAME? YES NO DID THEY RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST AS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT EXPERIENCE? YES NO PETER PREACHING TO THE GENTILES IN ACTS CHAPTER 10 NOTE THIS: SOME PEOPLE SAY BEING RELIGIOUS IS ENOUGH, OR THAT THE SPIRIT-BAPTISM EVIDENCED BY TONGUES WAS ONLY FOR THE DAY OF PENTECOST. IF THE WORD SAYS THIS IS TRUE, THEN IT IS TRUE. BUT IF THE WORD SHOWS US THROUGH CORNELIUS EXPERIENCE THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE, THEN WE WILL BELIEVE THE WORD. Acts 10:1-2 KJV 1 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band call the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. WAS CORNELIUS A RELIGIOUS MAN? YES NO Acts 10:5-6 KJV 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. - 9 -
DID GOD HAVE MORE FOR HIM TO DO? YES NO Acts 10:44-46 KJV 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, DID THEY RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST AND SPEAK WITH TONGUES AFTER THE DAY OF PENTECOST? YES NO Acts 10:47-48 KJV 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. DID THEY STILL HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME? YES NO PAUL PREACHED TO JOHN S DISCIPLES IN ACTS CHAPTER 19 NOTE THIS: MANY PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE HAVE NOT EVEN HEARD ABOUT THE HOLY GHOST THAT IS PROMISED TO THEM. ALSO SOME PEOPLE SAY IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BE BAPTIZED OR RE- BAPTIZED. IF YOU WERE BAPTIZED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST, WOULD YOU THINK IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO BE RE-BAPTIZED USING A DIFFERENT BAPTISMAL FORMULA? OTHERS SAY IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT IS SPOKEN WHEN YOU ARE BAPTIZED. IF THE BIBLE SAYS IT DOES NOT MATTER, WE WILL ACCEPT THAT, BUT WHAT IF THE BIBLE SHOWS US THAT IT DOES MATTER? SHOULD WE DO IT MAN S WAY OR GOD S WAY? MAN S WAY GOD S WAY - 10 -
Acts 19:1-2 KJV 1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. THEY WERE BELIEVERS, BUT HAD THEY HEARD OF OR RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST? YES NO CAN A PERSON BE A BELIEVER, BUT NOT HAVE THE HOLY GHOST? DO YOU AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST, WHICH IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD WHEN YOU BELIEVE? ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE IS JUST BEING A BELIEVER ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU? YES NO YES NO YES NO Acts 19:3-5 KJV 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. DID THOSE BAPTIZED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST HAVE TO BE RE-BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME? YES NO Acts 19:6 KJV 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. WAS RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST ACCOMPANIED BY THE INITIAL EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN TONGUES? YES NO AGAIN WAS RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT EXPERIENCE FROM BELIEVING, AND ALSO SEPARATE FROM BEING BAPTIZED? YES NO - 11 -
WE HAVE FOUND THE APOSTLES PREACHED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: 1.) THE LIFE OF CHRIST, HIS DEATH, AND HIS RESURRECTION 2.) REPENTANCE FROM SIN AND BELIEF IN JESUS CHRIST 3.) BAPTISM IN WATER BY IMMERSION IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST 4.) RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST (Which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues.) NOW LETS GO JUST A LITTLE FURTHER AND SEE WHAT THE APOSTLES HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION THEY PREACHED IN THE BOOK OF ACTS WE CAN DO THAT BY GOING INTO THE EPISTLES (THE LETTERS THEY WROTE TO THEIR CONVERTS/CHURCHES) Romans Galatians Colossians 1 Timothy Philemon 1 Peter 2 John 1 Corinthians Ephesians 1 Thessalonians 2 Timothy Hebrews 2 Peter 3 John 2 Corinthians Philippians 2 Thessalonians Titus James 1 John Jude PETER ASKED A QUESTION: 1 Peter 4:17 KJV 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? PAUL ANSWERED THIS QUESTION: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 KJV 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destructing from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; PAUL WARNED THEM AGAINST FALSE DOCTRINE - 12 -
Galatians 1:6-9 KJV 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. WHAT DID JAMES SAY? James 1:21-22 KJV 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ONE LAST SCRIPTURE Romans 8:9 KJV 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. - 13 -
CONCLUSION 1.) DO YOU BELIEVE THE WORD OF GOD IS TRUE, AND STILL JUDGES US TODAY? YES NO 2.) DO YOU BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND SAVIOR? YES NO 3.) DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPENT BY DETERMING TO TURN FROM SIN, AND GIVING YOUR LIFE TO GOD? YES NO 4.) DO YOU BELIEVE WATER BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE BIBLICAL WAY TO BE BAPTIZED? YES NO 5.) DO YOU BELIEVE THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST IS FOR YOU TODAY, AND WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT, YOU WILL SPEAK WITH TONGUES, JUST AS THEY DID IN THE BIBLE? YES NO 6.) WHEN YOU DIE, DO YOU DESIRE TO SPEND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN OR HELL? 7.) HAVE YOU REPENTED OF YOUR SINS? YES NO IF NOT WOULD YOU LIKE TO REPENT? YES NO 8.) HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST? YES NO IF NOT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME? YES NO 9.) HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST WITH EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING WITH OTHER TONGUES AS THEY DID IN THE BIBLE? YES NO IF NOT WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST SO YOU CAN BE SAVED? YES NO 10.) WOULD YOU LIKE US TO PRAY WITH YOU RIGHT NOW? YES NO Name Date - 14 -
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